“Chase your passion unapologetically.”
Hannah Bahlmann
Tarleton Alumna, Class of 2021
Tarleton alumna, Hannah Bahlmann, made an everlasting mark on Tarleton State during her time on-campus.
Aside from earning her Bachelor of Arts degree in History with a minor in Art and Sociology, Bahlmann was heavily involved in Greek life as well as student media.
“I worked for the JTAC and Grassburr for three years and I was the Grassburr EIC my senior year. I was also a member of Delta Zeta Sorority and the Panhellenic Executive Board VP of Judicial Affairs,” Bahlmann shared.
Hannah’s involvement did not go unnoticed. In 2022, Bahlman won third place at the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association conference for her Grassburr yearbook cover design. However, her Greek life affiliations were what truly made an everlasting impact on her life post grad.
“Delta Zeta had a special impact on my life that is unmatched. I am still friends with many of the women from my organization. They were the people that helped foster my creativity and have been supportive when I was getting a master’s degree in art history (which a lot of people thought was crazy). I feel like not only did it give my valuable life skills, it gave me an appreciation for tradition and a support system that has gotten me through grad school and a cross country move,” Bahlmann shared.
After crossing the stage at Tarleton State, Hannah went on to earn her Masters in Art History with a minor in Museum Science from Texas Tech University.
Her years of studying art history led her cross country to North Dakota where she now works full-time as the gallery manager for the University of North Dakota Art Collections (@undartcollectionsofficial). In her role, Bahlmann supervises five galleries across campus and offers support to fellow curators in the care, research, curation, and exhibition of a collection that features over 30,000 pieces.
“I realized my passion for art history at Tarleton and on the Honors College study abroad trip to Urbino, Italy. I have since completed my thesis in Italian art and spent three months in Italy in graduate school studying Italian language. That passion is why I pursued my grad degree at Tech and how I got into the position I am today. I get to work with Goya’s, Picasso’s, Matisse’s and just a wonderful collection in general with a host of amazing artists.”
Her time working at the JTAC and serving as the Grassburr Editor-in-Chief also prepared Bahlmann for her favorite part of her new job; research.
In addition, her sisterhood to Delta Zeta helped her strengthen the teamwork and relationship building skills necessary in her current role.
“I learned a lot about working with different people, serving my campus community, and generally having reverence for the history and heritage of my university. These are all things that are vital to my position at UND,” Bahlmann said.
Hannah’s eye for design coupled with her creativity, with a little help from her years of education, has properly prepared her for a successful career in gallery management.
“I have had the opportunity of curating my own show from the pieces in the UND Art Collections. It’s called Omens: An Avian Selection from UND Art Collections and it focuses on the symbolic history of birds,” Bahlmann said.
For Bahlmann, finding her home at Tarleton State was not an impossible mission. After living in Alabama for over ten years then returning to Texas, Bahlmann’s goal was to find an affordable education at an institution that valued her and her talents.
“If they [future Texans] love tradition, community, and want to feel like more than just a number, then Stephenville is the place for them. I’m so proud to be a Tarleton Alum and I don’t mind explaining where/what it is to everyone I meet,” Bahlmann shared.
“If any students have questions about what kinds of jobs you can get in the history, art, or art history field I’d be happy to answer!”
Hannah Bahlmann (@wrecking_bahl)
For more information about the various degrees and programs offered at Tarleton State, visit https://www.tarleton.edu/degrees/.